COTTAGE GROVE - Jean M. Wanta, age 77, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at her home. She survived breast cancer only to be taken from us by a type of blood cancer. Jean was born on July 22, 1946, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Oliver and Myrtle (Herman) Porte.

Jean graduated fromCuster High School in Milwaukee. She was united in marriage to Wayne Wanta on April 24, 1965, at St. Bernadette in Milwaukee. Jean was the proud co-owner of Pet Galaxy at East Towne Mall, in Madison and Want-A-Pet, Madison. She was also employed at Target where she made many great friends over the years.

Jean’s family was her priority. She was a faith-filled woman and found peace in attending Mass weekly. She lived for celebrating Christmas and enjoyed going for walks and spending time with family and friends.

Jean is survived by her husband, Wayne; son, Todd Wanta; daughters, Deneen (Malcolm) Wanta and Wendy Wanta; grandchildren, Heather (Jonathan) Milo, Tiffany Wanta, Joshua (Kaitlyn) Wanta and Zachery (Amber) Wanta; great grandchildren, Paisley, Wyatt, Fiona, Amelie, Liam, and Rylee; siblings, Patricia "Pat" Gersch, Nancy (Joseph) Fonseca, John (Deanie) Porte, Jan (David) Malkowski, and Cynthia "Cindy" (Matt) Kutschenrueter; sister-in-law, Sandie Porte; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Myrtle; and siblings, Richard "Dick" Porte, Beverly "Bev" Green and Darlene Porte.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024, with Fr. Michael Tarigopula presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. A luncheon will follow immediately after.

The family wishes to thank Heartland Hospice for all of their wonderful care given to Jean and her family.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive

Jean M Wanta

July 22, 1946 - April 08, 2024

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